Happy Birthday Honey

Happy 31st Bday! Here's your gift plus a Brownie Bling Pothole from Sheridans plus a kid-free evening.

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Goal Update

Today: 136
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 2
Pounds To Go: 11

Dead as a doornail

Yesterday when I left work my car wouldn't start. A coworker was nice to try to jump it with his car but only the headlights and radio would come on then. Kevin had to pick up the kids since I couldn't so I called my dad to see what he could do. Luckily the wind was only blowing about 50 miles an hour.

He hooked it up to his car and it started right up. It drove fine the whole way home. This morning - dead as a doornail. Luckily another coworker lives around the corner and she gave me a ride and my dad gave me a ride home. I had to cancel one meeting and do the other as a web conference so it worked out ok.

Kevin replaced the battery and voila - starts like a charm tonight. Thanks sweetie!

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Goal Update - uh i haven't really weighed myself for a few days

I did the 45 minute walk on Sunday after a two hour nap. Both refreshing. No exercise yesterday, 10 minute abs tonight. Good eating (I think) yesterday and today.

Anna might be my biggest cheerleader. Every night she asks "Can we go to the basement to exercise?" Apparently this is her cool one-on-one mommy time.

Today: 138
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 0
Pounds To Go: 13

"I'm Getting Ready For America Idol"

Anna: I'm getting dressed for America Idol.

Me: Oh really?

[I help her put on a pink princess dress-up dress. She adds a hat, bracelet, purse and plastic high heel shoes while I do the dishes.]

Anna: Can you help me take this off? I don't want to be dressed up anymore.

Me: Did you sing?

Anna: Yes.

Me: What did they say?

Anna: I got a yellow paper. They said I did good so I got a ticket.

Me: Wow!

Hooray for Warmer Weather

Yea! Yesterday I did not need a coat! And today it is supposed to be even nicer. I am planning to take the kids for a walk and Anna has been begging to do sidewalk chalk. The sky is gorgeous. One of those ocean blue skies with feathery white clouds streaked throughout. But right now it is still only 30 so we are waiting for it to warm up before heading out.

I have really been in a grumpy funk lately. Decided I need a vacation to look forward to. Highly considering Mexico. Stayed there? Post a comment - would love to hear about it.

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Goal Update - I'm not very good at this.

Today: 138
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 2 now 0 - bleh - delayed reaction of not exercising for exactly one week caught up with me. Trying to get back on track. Work out on Wed and Thur - planning the walk for today.
Pounds To Go: 13

The world through the eyes of Anna

My brothers gave Anna a digital camera for Christmas (I know - what did you get when you were 3?). Here are a few photos of the world through the eyes of Anna.

Men

I have lost about 2 pounds. Meanwhile my husband has lost 8. 8! I'm really happy for him, but this is so frustrating. Why can men lose weight so much easier than women? He says he can tell I've been working out so that is really nice to hear and motivation to keep going.

I'm going to buy heavier handweights today. I'm not sure what the ones are that I'm using - maybe 3 pounds - but Tassie ate the rubber covering off of one anyway so my hand smells like metal after I use it, which is a little gross to me. Not to mention that I need something heavier to work harder.

Anna spent the night with grandma and papa last night so I hung out with the men in my life. Carter slept in after needing his binky and a back pat around 5:30 am. Ever since he got sick a few weeks ago he has not been the sleep angel he once was. Since I didn't get up until 8:30 I might not need the nap I had planned for today.

Kevin and I watched one of our Blockbuster of the month videos - Children of Men. Talk about depressing and dark and morbid and violent at times. Kevin says what do you expect from a movie about an approaching apocolypse? Well, true.

I think Carter is really enjoying being the only child around here this morning. Yesterday was the first day since Wed that he was fever-free. He is very loving, he keeps coming up to my leg and hugging me. And he is really talking a lot more. We have to tell him to take his binky out so we can understand him. I think he said "more" and "cracker."

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Yesterday

Trip to the mall yesterday - my place of worship. Carter needed new shoes. I didn't realize how bad. He was wearing a size 3 1/2 and needed a 5! I have to buy these at Stride Rite because he has to have a wide. He has really thick feet. In fact, one pair he tried on he needed an XX wide.

If anyone knows of any stores that sell childrens shoes in wides besides Stride Rite please leave a comment. I have been having my mom stock up on these when she goes to visit my brother in Flordia where there is a stride rite outlet and the same $50 shoes are $15 no kidding. Luckily the lady said they are putting in an outlet at the Legends - yea can't wait!

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I believe in a delayed reaction when it comes to weight loss. So that pizza from the other night caught up with me today.

Goal Update

Today: 137
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 1
Pounds To Go: 12

Goal Update - Yesterday

Yesterday: 135 - wow feeling really good about this
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 3
Pounds To Go: 10

The best birth control...

This is from a few weeks ago and I found it on the camera. Still not really sure what he was so upset about. Sometimes you just need a good cry. This video is about two minutes I think. Which isn't bad. Play it over and over for a total of at least 20 minutes and then tell me how you feel. Better yet, wake yourself up in the middle of the night and play it for 20 minutes. The best birth control ever.

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Goal Update

Today: 135
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 3
Pounds To Go: 10

Confession: Pizza last night and no workout. Tonight: Salmon and planning to exercise.

New Hair Cut

Anna got a new dew today. Before it was too stringy, looks soooo much better now.

Change of Plans

At work today, one minute before I was supposed to join a conference call, the daycare called. Carter was running a fever.

Cancel conference call. Reschedule 1pm meeting. Pack up planning ahead in case he is still running a fever on Friday.

Pick up Carter take to Dr. Possible right ear infection and respiratory congestion. Strep check was negative. (Kim we managed to get sick with something else even after being exposed to strep, ha!) He probably just hasn't gotten over whatever he had last week. So new antibiotics.

Now that he's had Motrin you wouldn't recognize this child from two hours ago. It might be the miracle drug.

What are you building in your back yard?

Yesterday we got home to find a message on the answering machine from our home owners association asking us to call because someone had inquired about what we are building in our backyard.

Kevin and I looked at each other puzzled. We're not building anything in the backyard. I tried to think of something. anything.

Do they mean the garden?

Kevin recently replaced our old raised garden beds with new raised beds. They are slightly bigger. but really. the garden?

He called and speculated if this might be it. Are you sure you aren't building a structure? No, no structure.

Ok. whatever. This isn't our first "encounter" with our hoa which is apparently comprised of people who really need better things to do.

Kevin said he did see some lady walk between our yards to our backyard and then back out the other day. She has two little dogs. I know who she is. She can't even see our house from her house. You can't even see our garden beds from the top of the road coming down to our house. People are crazy. I mean really. we didn't paint the house purple.

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Yesterday did the Bikini Ready workout on exercise.tv. Feeling that today. Tonight I did two ten minute "videos" one for lower body and one for yoga/abs.

I learned something new about myself that I never really realized.

I prefer my instructors to be women. And hot women. I prefer to look at someone and workout that I want to look like.

No starbucks so far this week. i know, its a travesty.

Goal Update - same four days in a row

Today: 137
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 1
Pounds To Go: 12

Working the sweat out

Tonight Kevin was watching American Gladiators and Anna started her own version in the living room. first jumping on the trampoline then running across the living room and back. then scissor steps on the trampoline. then she came over and informed us she was "working the sweat out."

I worked the sweat out in the basement to Kendra's "martial arts" moves and then a 20 minute bikini body routine. Then I ate a small bowl of ice cream.

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Goal Update

Today: 137
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 1
Pounds To Go: 12

137 3 days in a row officially means I've lost one pound since 12/31 aka two weeks. Ugh. I must admit I'm slightly irritated with this whole losing weight thing. I'm not very good at it. I like to eat. I like to eat food that tastes good. I don't like to be hungry. I don't especially enjoy working out.

I really have spring fever. Spring is awesome. Royals start. It gets warmer. The clothes get lighter. You don't have to have a chair just for coats, mittens and hats when you go out to eat. March madness. My birthday. It gets green. You can go outside without your teeth chattering. I realize we have a ways to go. C'mon spring.

Britney's In Court - or is She?

With all the Britney hype lately I really haven't commented too much. The latest I hear is that she tested negative for drugs when she freaked out last week and therefore must really just be mentally messed up. I also hear that she was car shopping in her wedding dress this weekend so that pretty much confirms the messed up part. But wait, did she wear a wedding dress? I thought they got hitched in matching track suits.

Anywho - for my Britney followers - you can get the play by play court updates from today here - Which I am finding rather humorous.

Weekend Update

Yesterday we didn't leave the house. I lost count on how many loads of laundry we did and put away. We ran out of hangers for the kids clothes. Dishes, toy pickup, attempt to clear the kitchen island, and on. It looked pretty good, which is a nice feeling and then Sam and Candi came over and we grilled burgers and brawts and had a yummy dinner pretending it was 70 degrees when it was only 30.

Then we played Settlers of Catan with the Cities and Knights expansion. (self admittedly nerds). We've been playing quite a bit of this game lately. Everyone had won at least once, except Kevin and it's his game. He finally won the second game last night, so hopefully he'll keep playing with us some more. This has pretty much replaced spades for us in the last few months.

I forgot to take Anna to dance yesterday. What is wrong with my brain?

Today we went to see my friend Kim and her two boys. We've been trying to get together for Christmas but her baby was sick then Carter was sick. Finally we were all well, yea! We swapped gifts and Anna had a blast playing with Julian. They are just six weeks apart and like two peas in a pod. They have the most hysterical conversations together.

Anna: "Julian come sit on this couch with me."
Julian: "I don't have time right now."

or something like that. It was pretty funny.

And I loved catching up with Kim, we just don't see each other enough. Since she also has two kids and works four days a week we have a lot in common.

When Carter finally tired and we had completely destroyed their house with toys (sorry Kim, come destroy ours next time!) we were off for our errands. Target, bank, stop by nail salon and leave tip that I realized I forgot to do on Friday, grocery store and home.

Sunday is Amazing Race night. We have watched this show since season 1 and have always thought Kevin and I would be awesome on here. Much better than the two lovey dovey hooligans they had from Kansas that one season. I used to tell people this and one time somebody said "You guys would argue a lot.... [pause] yea, you should do it. I want to watch." I'm honestly not really sure. We do argue about directions. Kevin is, after all, some map reading champion or something - you can leave the exact "title" in the comments honey.

Haven't exercised since Tuesday. Oops. If only laundry, dishes, and chasing after kids counted.

Girl Day

Friday was girls day. My mom picked up the kids and Candi picked me up.

First stop: Starbucks.

Next stop: VIP Nails. Pedicure and Manicure.

Next stop: Houlihans for lunch.

Next stop: Movies. I haven't been to the theater since Super Bad. We saw Charlie Wilson's War and it was really good.

It was an awesome day with by best friend. Great conversation, relaxing, no kids, no work and much needed. Loved it. And I think the boys were jealous. They're planning a boys day for Saturday.

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Goal Update - Fri

Today: 138
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 0
Pounds To Go: 13

Goal Update - Thur

Today: 137
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 1
Pounds To Go: 12

Keep Counting to 8 Holly - You Sound Like A Genius

I spent 15 minutes with Holly today and 10 minutes doing abs with someone else. We ate salmon for dinner and I think Carter might have had a mild allergic reaction - his face got red and a little blotchy. But it's hard to say because he'd been crying for awhile before that so it may have just been the big fit he threw. Or the strawberries he also ate. Maybe not the best dinner combination for two first time foods for him.

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Ok really - this whole Hillary crying deal - what is wrong with her? There's no crying when you're running for President. I wish I liked her more because I'd like to vote for a woman president but I just can't.

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Goal Update

Today: 138
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 0
Pounds To Go: 13

Bah-Nah-Nuh

This morning as I handed one to Carter and said Banana he took it and looked at me and he said "Bah-Nah-Nuh." Anna witnessed it and we both looked at each other and couldn't believe what we just heard. It is his first three syllable word and it was so clear. Of course he wouldn't say it after that but Anna heard it.

No exercise today. After baths, dishes and laundry I rested and watched the show Jon and Kate plus 8. For some reason that show cracks me up and makes me feel normal.

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Goal Update

Today: 139
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: -1
Pounds To Go: 14

One Word

So one of my very favorite blogs to read is Ali Edwards and for several years now she selects a single word to represent her year. In 2006 her word was Play. Last year her word was Peace and this year it is Vitality. A lot of readers have also posted their words which you can read here and read here to learn more about one little word.

So I keep asking myself, what is my word? I am really having a hard time choosing just one. I like calm, new, peace, moment, optimism. I am still deciding. What is your word?

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Took a one hour walk pushing just Anna today. It was nice to be away from Carter for awhile (sorry sweetie I do love you) and I think being in the sun did wonders for my mood and fatigue.

Grocery shopping this morning with just Carter (thanks Kevin for taking Anna) and we have meals planned through at least Wednesday.

I have not committed to making any eating habit changes yet. I thought I should just tackle one thing at a time and I'm starting with exercise. But I did order a salad at McDonalds yesterday and am trying to eat fish at least once a week. I bought whole grain wheat (yes I checked the label to make sure it is the first ingredient) reduced calorie bread. But I also got Smirnoff Ices and I love my non-fat starbucks coffee. Baby steps.

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

So turns out they are not having Zumba on Saturday mornings anymore at the dance studio. It will be on Sunday mornings (not when Anna has class) and doesn't start until next week.

So instead of Zumba we took a walk for about an hour and 15 minutes yesterday. I pushed two kids in the double stroller (together they weigh 50 lbs) in the wind.

Today I might try to do a run with Tassie. [insert laughing here] We've been watching Dog Whisperer marathons so I'm delusional about my ability to be a calm assertive pack leader.

And in other news - Carter is still sick. And I'm sick of him being sick. Everyone was up bright and early today as Carter cried for an hour not wanting anything except to cry. Not good times. I am not very good at listening to incessant crying where they want to be held but then arch their back and make it impossible to hold them. Dealing with this for long periods of time literally makes me want to pull my hair out.

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Goal Update

One Step Forward (had lost a pound. probably water weight. now have gained a pound. well two if you count the one i had lost)

Today: 139
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: -1
Pounds To Go: 14

Hurdle

Well there is nothing like a baby with a fever of 102 since Tuesday who turns out to have two ear infections to put a damper on your exercise commitment.

So back on track starting today - heading out to a Zumba class while Anna does her tap/ballet at the same time. And, get a break from a crying whining fussy one year old.

And I would like to say that you should be able to by Infant Motrin in a much larger bottle.

And yea! The weather is going to be awesome this weekend. Tomorrow will either be a walk or run outside.

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Goal Update

Today: 137
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 1
Pounds To Go: 12

Happy 2008

I need more coffee but I'm gonna go ahead and give this a shot even though I'm under-caffeinated.

So just like everyone else I'm planning to shed my extra pounds. Mine are leftover from the second child. I am starting with exercise. Several weeks ago when Anna looked at my stomach and asked me if I was having another baby was pretty much the last motivation I needed to get off my ass. On the 30th I went downstairs and (after taking 10 minutes to figure out how to turn on the TV, sound and cable) started an OnDemand video workout. The first one was a joke. I made it about 5 minutes in and was totally lost. I went back to the menu and did an Ab one that promised no crunches. It was ok, but a reverse crunch is still a crunch. Feeling like I still needed cardio I browsed the menu under Slim and Sexy, after all that's what I want to be. I found a Carmen Electra Hip Hop routine which was totally up my alley. It was like being a cheerleader again. Yesterday I headed to the basement again and did two routines (these are pretty short - like 10-15 min each) from the playboy mansion girls. Kendra's had some martial arts moves and Holly's was mostly her counting to 8. It was pretty entertaining just for the absurd things they say during the routine. Needless to say I'm already feeling the burn, so at least it's working. I also started weighing myself everyday. Starting at 138 my goal is 125. Let's be honest I'd love to be at 120 and if I can get to 125 I think I can get to 120 but I also want to be realistic. May 1 is my deadline, that gives me four months, or 16 weeks to lose 13 pounds. That's about a pound a week so should be do-able.

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Carter is now pointing at what he wants. Earlier today he wanted his binky which was on the counter so he pointed to it. This makes things so much easier. A little while later he walked from the toy (aka dining) room to the kitchen and stood at the highchair because he wanted a drink of milk.

He also completely understands what I'm saying. The other night he was fussy and I asked him if he was ready to go night night. He walked to the gate at the bottom of the stairs and looked at me like, I thought you'd never ask, take me to bed mommy.

He has also taken to cuddling with his blankie when he sleeps and it's so cute to see him hold it by his head like Linus.

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We enjoyed a completely kid-free dinner last night with our friends. This was really nice since last Friday we went out to eat and I experienced the most embarrassing dinner with children ever as Carter proceeded to throw everything on the floor and yell in the restaurant. I think we left a $15 tip to compensate for all the chips and cheerios we left behind, in addition to the lack of tip from the other angry patrons I'm sure. The old people didn't seem to mind, they thought he was so cute as he waved goodbye to them on their way out. Anyways, it was nice to eat a completely hot meal, and to feed myself first not having to feed other mouths before I get a bite. I didn't have to get up to take anyone potty in the middle and I got to have "adult" conversation.

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New blog piece (not nearly as much fun as Today Tassie Ate, but Tassie only eats sheetrock and insulation now)

Goal Update

Today: 138
Goal: 125
Pounds Lost: 0
Pounds To Go: 13